Oncology Ward RS1

We treat patients over the age of 18, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, head and neck area cancer, prostate cancer irresponsive to hormonal therapy and skin cancer. Patients requiring surgical treatment and those diagnosed with malignant blood cell disorders or gynaecological cancer are mainly treated at other units of Tays.

We are in charge of demanding cancer treatment. The majority of our patients come from Pirkanmaa, Kanta-Häme and South Ostrobothnia. With each cancer patient, we prepare an individual treatment plan to be specified during treatment periods.

Our special expertise is treating patients coming in for cancer pharmacotherapy, isotope treatment and radiation therapy and for different examinations and procedures. We treat possible problem situations arising during cancer treatment, such as inflammation, anaemia, other side effects, pain and various symptoms caused by cancer, with different supportive treatments.

When a severe disease progresses, we participate with the palliative unit in the planning of good palliative, i.e. symptomatic, care and end-of-life care. When symptomatic treatment begins, the disease is no longer curable, but the patient still requires active treatment to alleviate diverse symptoms caused by the disease.

The ward engages actively in cancer research. The cancer medication research unit started at the ward in 2015. Investments are being made in development work, so new and improved practices can be devised for the treatment of cancer.

The course of treatment at the ward

Patients are invited for treatment at the ward based on a doctor’s referral. Usually, the patient comes to the ward for the first time after the first visit to the oncology  outpatient clinic. Some of the patients are sent to our ward from other hospitals or different units of Tays. One-fifth of the patients come to the ward as emergency cases mainly via the Accident and Emergency Department Acuta.

When coming to the ward as a patient, it is recommended to prepare for staying overnight, because the treatment plan may change from the previous plan and be specified at the ward.

The average length of a treatment period is under three days. The patient may come to the ward for treatment several times, because cancer pharmacotherapy usually repeats in cycles of 1–4 weeks. During radiation therapy, the patient may need ward treatment for up to 1–8 weeks.

After treatment at the ward, the treatment of the patient may continue at the cancer outpatient clinic. If the treatment continues elsewhere, for example at the health centre, another hospital or some other outpatient treatment unit, we send a written summary, with the patient’s consent, on the treatment provided and instructions for further treatment.

Facilities and personnel

The ward is situated on the second floor of the Radius building. Patients are treated around the clock every day of the week. On weekdays, there are a total of 26 places for patients in single and double rooms. In addition, the cancer medication research has 4 places for patients. All rooms are equipped with their own shower and toilet. There is also a separate room for close relatives and friends at the ward. More information on the use of the room is available from the personnel.

The Patient Hotel is suitable for patients who do not require direct hospital care during the treatment period. The suitability of the patient for becoming a customer of the hotel is assessed by the attending doctor. The overnight stay costs do not exceed the price of the hospital fee and the patient’s close relative or friend may also stay affordably in the same room as the patient. Further information about the practical arrangements is available from the personnel.

The planning and implementation of the patient’s comprehensive treatment involves not only the patient and his/her close relatives but also a team of experts from different professions. The team includes a doctor specialising in cancer treatment, specialising doctors and nurses as well as special workers, such as a dietician, social worker or physiotherapist, according to need.

During hospitalisation, a cancer specialist is in charge of the treatment of the patient.

Visiting

There are no precise visiting hours at the ward.

Read also: For visitors and family members

Persons in charge

Specialist Hanna Raunio
Ward manager Maire Kulmala